French Grammar

In French, many verbs are followed by a preposition to introduce their complement. The choice of preposition (often à or de) is not always obvious and depends on the verb itself. This is an essential notion for building correct sentences.

📖 Verbs Constructed with "à"

These verbs introduce their complement with the preposition à. This complement can be a person, a thing, or a verb in the infinitive.

Verbs + à + noun/nominal group

Verbs + à + verb in the infinitive

📖 Verbs Constructed with "de"

These verbs introduce their complement with the preposition de. As with the preposition "à", this complement can be a person, a thing, or a verb in the infinitive.

Verbs + de + noun/nominal group

Verbs + de + verb in the infinitive

To practice Verbs with Prepositions or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

In French, the prepositions à and de obligatorily contract with the definite articles "le" and "les". This contraction creates new words that are contracted definite articles. This rule does not apply with the determiners la and l'.

📖 The Preposition "à"

The preposition à serves to indicate destination, possession or attribution. It contracts as follows :

• à + le → au
  ✅ Example : Je vais au marché. (Incorrect : à le marché) (marché : sing.masc.)
• à + les → aux
  ✅ Example : Elle parle aux parents. (Incorrect : à les parents) (parents : plur.(masc.))
• à + la → à la (no contraction)
  ✅ Example : Il donne un livre à la fille. (fille : sing.fém.)
• à + l' → à l' (no contraction)
  ✅ Example : Nous allons à l'école. (école : sing.(fém.) with a vowel)

📖 The Preposition "de"

The preposition de expresses possession, origin, material or an indefinite quantity. It contracts as follows :

• de + le → du
  ✅ Example : C'est la voiture du voisin. (Incorrect : de le voisin) (voisin : sing.masc.)
• de + les → des
  ✅ Example : Le bruit des vagues. (Incorrect : de les vagues) (vagues : plur.(fém.))
• de + la → de la (no contraction)
  ✅ Example : Le mur de la maison. (maison : sing.fém.)
• de + l' → de l' (no contraction)
  ✅ Example : Le journal de l'étudiant. (étudiant : sing.(masc.) with a vowel)

🔎 Summary Table

To practice Simple Prepositions or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Adverbs are invariable words that serve to modify the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb. They provide details on place, intensity, or frequency of an action. Here are the most common in each category.

📖 Adverbs of Place

These adverbs answer the question "Where?". They indicate the location or direction of an action or person.

📖 Adverbs of Intensity

These adverbs answer the question "How much?" or "To what extent?". They serve to quantify or modify the degree of an adjective, verb, or another adverb.

📖 Adverbs of Frequency

These adverbs answer the question "When?" or "How often?". They indicate the regularity or repetition of an action.

Adverbs and prepositions of time are essential tools for situating an action or event in time. Although both serve to express temporal notions, their use is different: prepositions introduce a nominal group, while adverbs modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

📖 Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time are invariable words that answer the question "When?" or "For how long?". They can be placed at different points in the sentence, but often at the beginning or end. They express the date, moment, duration, or frequency.

Some common adverbs of time :

• Hier / Avant-hier :
  ✅ Example : Il est arrivé hier.
• Aujourd'hui :
  ✅ Example : Nous partons aujourd'hui.
• Demain / Après-demain :
  ✅ Example : Je te téléphonerai demain.
• Maintenant / Actuellement :
  ✅ Example : Il travaille maintenant.
• Tôt / Tard :
  ✅ Example : Je me suis levé tôt.
• Bientôt :
  ✅ Example : Le train arrivera bientôt.
• Souvent / Toujours / Jamais : (for frequency)
  ✅ Example : Il va souvent au cinéma.
• Encore: (for continuity or repetition)
  ✅ Example : Il dort encore.

📖 Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time introduce a complement that specifies a duration, starting point, or date. They are always followed by a noun, nominal group, or date. The most important are à, en, dans, depuis, pendant, pour and avant/après.

Some common prepositions of time :

• à : For a precise moment.
  ✅ Example : Je me lève à 7 heures.
• en : For months, years, seasons (except "au printemps").
  ✅ Example : Je suis né en 1990. / Nous partons en juillet.
• dans : To indicate a future action.
  ✅ Example : Je reviens dans une heure.
• depuis : To indicate the starting point of an action that continues in the present.
  ✅ Example : J'habite ici depuis 2015.
• pendant : For the total duration of an action.
  ✅ Example : Il a dormi pendant deux heures.
• pour : For the duration of a future action, a commitment.
  ✅ Example : Je pars pour trois jours.
• avant / après : To situate an action relative to a moment.
  ✅ Examples : Avant la réunion. / Après le repas.

To indicate the position of a person or thing, adverbs or prepositions of place are used. Although they serve to situate in space, their use and structure in the sentence are different. Here is a more complete list for each category.

📖 Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of place are invariable words (they do not agree) that indicate position without being followed by a complement. They are self-sufficient.

📖 Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are words that introduce a complement of place. They are always followed by a noun or pronoun.

🔄 Adverbs of Place vs. Prepositional Phrases

Some adverbs can be used as the first part of a prepositional phrase (a group of words that acts as a preposition). In this case, they are followed by the preposition "de" and a complement.

⚠️ Differentiation in Use

To summarize, the main difference is as follows :

• Adverb of place : self-sufficient. (Ex: Il est partout.)
• Preposition of place : always followed by a complement. (Ex: Il est dans le jardin.)

Object pronouns are small words that replace a noun or nominal group to avoid repetitions. They are divided into two main categories: direct object pronouns (COD) and indirect object pronouns (COI).

📖 Direct Object Pronouns (COD)

Direct object pronouns replace a noun that is the direct object of the verb. To find a COD, ask "who?" or "what?" after the verb. The COD pronouns are : me, te, le, la, l', nous, vous, les.

📖 Indirect Object Pronouns (COI)

Indirect object pronouns replace a noun preceded by the preposition à (or one of its contracted forms like "au", "aux"). To find a COI, ask "to whom?" or "to what?" after the verb. The COI pronouns are : me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur.

🔄 Position of Pronouns

In most cases, COD and COI pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb.

In affirmative imperative sentences, pronouns are placed after the verb and connected by a hyphen. The pronouns "me" and "te" become "moi" and "toi".

To practice Direct Object Pronouns (COD), Indirect Object Pronouns (COI), "en" and "y" or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

The pronouns "en" and "y" are object pronouns that replace groups of words to avoid repetitions. They are often a source of confusion, as they have no direct equivalent in English and their use depends on the preposition introducing the complement.

📖 The Pronoun "en"

The pronoun "en" replaces a complement introduced by the preposition de or that expresses a quantity. It can refer to things or places, but rarely to people.

Use of "en"

• To replace a complement introduced by "de" :
  ✅ Examples :

  • Tu parles de ton travail ? → Oui, j'en parle. (replaces "de ton travail")
  • Elle vient de Paris. → Elle en vient. (replaces "de Paris")
• To replace a quantity (determined or not) :
  ✅ Examples :

  • Tu veux du café ? → Oui, j'en veux. (replaces "du café", indeterminate quantity)
  • Tu as trois frères ? → Oui, j'en ai trois. (replaces "trois frères", determined quantity)
  • Je n'ai pas de patience. → Je n'en ai pas. (negative form)

📖 The Pronoun "y"

The pronoun "y" replaces a place complement introduced by the prepositions à, chez, sur, dans, etc. It can also replace an indirect object complement (COI) introduced by à that refers to a thing, but never to a person.

Use of "y"

• To replace a place complement :
  ✅ Examples :

  • Tu vas à la piscine ? → Oui, j'y vais. (replaces "à la piscine")
  • Nous sommes chez Paul. → Nous y sommes. (replaces "chez Paul")
• To replace a COI referring to a thing :
  ✅ Examples :

  • Tu penses à ton avenir ? → Oui, j'y pense. (replaces "à ton avenir")
  • Elle répond aux questions. → Elle y répond. (replaces "aux questions")

🔄 Position of Pronouns "en" and "y"

Like other object pronouns, "en" and "y" are placed before the conjugated verb.

In the case of multiple pronouns, "y" and "en" are always placed last, after COD and COI pronouns. The order is: me, te, se, nous, vous + le, la, les + lui, leur + y + en.

To practice Direct Object Pronouns (COD), Indirect Object Pronouns (COI), "en" and "y" or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

When using both a direct object pronoun (COD) and an indirect object pronoun (COI) in the same sentence, it is essential to follow a precise order for the sentence to be grammatically correct.

📖 The Order of Pronouns

The rule is as follows: pronouns of the first and second person (me, te, nous, vous) precede pronouns of the third person (le, la, les, lui, leur).

This gives us three main cases for combinations of COD and COI :

• 1. The COI of 1^st or 2^nd person precedes the COD of 3^rd person :
  • ✅ Example : Tu me le donnes. (and not Tu le me donnes).
  • ✅ Example : Il nous l'a expliqué. (and not Il l'nous a expliqué).
• 2. The COD of 3^rd person precedes the COI of 3^rd person :
  • ✅ Example : Je le lui dis. (and not Je lui le dis).
  • ✅ Example : Nous la leur donnons. (and not Nous leur la donnons).

🔄 Rule for Affirmative Imperative

In the affirmative form of the imperative, the order of pronouns is as follows : verb - COD - COI ; and they are linked by a hyphen. The pronouns "me" and "te" become "moi" and "toi".

To practice Direct Object Pronouns (COD), Indirect Object Pronouns (COI), "en" and "y" or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Pronouns are words that replace a noun to avoid repetitions. In French, there are several categories of pronouns, and three of them are particularly important: possessive pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, and indefinite pronouns.

📖 Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns replace a noun preceded by a possessive adjective (mon, ma, mes, etc.) to indicate possession. They agree in gender and number with the noun they replace.

Table of Possessive Pronouns

📖 Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns serve to designate a person or thing already mentioned. They agree in gender and number with the noun they replace and can be simple or compound.

Simple Demonstrative Pronouns

Compound Demonstrative Pronouns

They are formed by adding -ci (for proximity) or -là (for distance) to the simple pronouns.

📖 Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns replace a noun to designate a person or thing in a vague way, without precision on identity or quantity. There are many of them.

• quelqu'un, quelque chose :
  ✅ Example : J'ai vu quelqu'un dans la rue.
• personne, rien : (used with negation)
  ✅ Example : Personne n'est venu. / Je n'ai vu rien.
• tout, tous, toutes :
  ✅ Example : J'ai tout compris. / Tous sont partis.
• chacun, chacune : (to designate each element of a group)
  ✅ Example : Chacun doit faire son travail.
• certains, certaines :
  ✅ Example : Certains pensent que c'est une bonne idée.
• aucun, aucune :
  ✅ Example : Je n'ai aucune envie de sortir.
• plusieurs:
  ✅ Example : Il a gagné plusieurs fois.
• quelques :
  ✅ Example : J'ai quelques suggestions.

To practice Possessive Pronouns, Demonstrative Pronouns, and Indefinite Pronouns or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Simple relative pronouns are words that serve to link two clauses in a sentence. They replace a noun or pronoun (called "antecedent") to avoid repetitions. Their role is to introduce a subordinate relative clause that provides additional information about this antecedent.

There are four simple relative pronouns : qui, que, où and dont.

📖 "Qui"

The relative pronoun "qui" replaces an antecedent that is the subject of the relative clause. It can refer to a person, an animal, or a thing.

📖 "Que"

The relative pronoun "que" (or qu' before a vowel) replaces an antecedent that is the direct object (COD) of the relative clause. It can also refer to a person, an animal, or a thing.

📖 "Où"

The relative pronoun "où" replaces an antecedent that is a place complement or a time complement. It can refer to places or moments.

📖 "Dont"

The relative pronoun "dont" replaces an antecedent that is introduced by the preposition de. It can be used as a complement of the noun, a verb, or an adjective. It is often translated by "whose", "of which" or "about which" in English.

To practice Simple Relative Pronouns or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Logical connectors are words or expressions that allow articulating ideas and establishing links between sentences or clauses. They are essential for giving coherence and clarity to a text or discourse. Here are the main connectors for expressing opposition, cause, and consequence.

📖 Connectors of Opposition

These connectors serve to introduce an idea that opposes, contradicts, or nuances a previous idea. They are used to create contrast.

• mais : The most common, to oppose two ideas.
  ✅ Example : Il fait beau, mais j'ai décidé de rester à la maison.
• cependant / pourtant / toutefois : More formal, they express a stronger opposition.
  ✅ Example : Elle est très riche ; pourtant, elle ne semble pas heureuse.
• malgré / en dépit de : Introduce a noun or nominal group and express opposition despite an obstacle.
  ✅ Example : Malgré la pluie, nous sommes allés nous promener.
• tandis que / alors que : Introduce opposition between two simultaneous facts.
  ✅ Example : Il aime la mer, tandis que son frère préfère la montagne.
• au contraire / par contre : To mark a clear opposition.
  ✅ Example : Je n'ai pas aimé ce livre ; au contraire, je l'ai trouvé passionnant.

📖 Connectors of Cause

These connectors introduce the reason, motive, or explanation of a fact. They answer the question "Why?".

• car / parce que : The most frequent to introduce an explanation. "Parce que" is more used orally.
  ✅ Example : Je suis fatigué parce que j'ai mal dormi.
• grâce à : For a cause with positive connotation.
  ✅ Example : J'ai réussi grâce à mon travail.
• à cause de : For a cause with negative connotation.
  ✅ Example : J'ai été en retard à cause de la circulation.
• puisque / comme : Introduce a cause already known to the interlocutor or an obvious cause.
  ✅ Example : Puisque tu es là, aide-moi. / Comme il pleut, nous restons à la maison.
• en raison de / du fait de : More formal, used in writing.
  ✅ Example : Le match a été annulé en raison de la tempête.

📖 Connectors of Addition to Add an Idea

These connectors serve to introduce a new element that adds to another, without necessarily hierarchy.

• et : The simplest and most common.
  ✅ Example : J'aime le chocolat et le café.
• puis : Often used to add an action that follows another in time.
  ✅ Example : Il a pris son manteau, puis il est parti.
• ainsi que : More formal, to link two elements of the same nature.
  ✅ Example : Il a invité ses amis ainsi que sa famille.
• de plus, en outre : To introduce an argument or additional information in a longer sentence or text.
  ✅ Example : La voiture est confortable ; de plus, elle consomme peu.

📖 Connectors of Addition to Strengthen an Idea

These connectors add an idea that strengthens or intensifies the previous argument.

• aussi : Often placed after the verb to add information.
  ✅ Example : Je suis fatigué et j'ai faim aussi.
• également : A bit more formal than aussi.
  ✅ Example : Il est doué en mathématiques et il est également très bon en français.
• non seulement... mais encore / mais aussi : To highlight the strength of the addition.
  ✅ Example : Il est non seulement intelligent, mais aussi très gentil.
• qui plus est : Literary, to add an even more important argument.
  ✅ Example : Il a fait le ménage, qui plus est, il a aussi fait la vaisselle.

📖 Connectors of Addition to Introduce an Example or Detail

These connectors are used to illustrate or give details on an already mentioned idea.

• par exemple :
  ✅ Example : Les fruits sont bons pour la santé, par exemple la pomme et la banane.
• entre autres : To give some examples among others.
  ✅ Example : Elle est douée pour de nombreux sports, entre autres le tennis et la natation.

📖 Connectors of Consequence

These connectors introduce the result, continuation, or consequence of a fact. They answer the question "What results from it?".

• donc / alors : The most common, "alors" is more frequent orally.
  ✅ Example : Il fait froid, donc je mets mon manteau.
• c'est pourquoi / c'est pour ça que : Allow explaining the reason leading to a consequence.
  ✅ Example : J'ai beaucoup de travail ; c'est pourquoi je ne peux pas sortir.
• par conséquent / en conséquence : More formal, often used in argumentative texts.
  ✅ Example : La production a augmenté ; par conséquent, les prix vont baisser.
• si bien que / de sorte que : Introduce a consequence, often for a result.
  ✅ Example : Le film était si bon que je suis resté jusqu'à la fin.

Logical connectors of chronology are words or expressions that organize a text or discourse according to time. They serve to situate actions in the past, present, or future, and to create a logical progression for the reader or listener. By using them correctly, one can tell a story, describe a process, or simply give clarity to ideas.

📖 To Begin a Narrative

These articulators are placed at the beginning of a sentence or text to introduce a new idea or mark the start of a temporal sequence.

• D'abord, tout d'abord :
  ✅ Example : D'abord, mélangez la farine et le sucre.
• Au début :
  ✅ Example : Au début, il n'y avait rien.
• Initialement :
  ✅ Example : Initialement, nous avions prévu de partir en juin.

📖 To Mark the Succession of Actions

These expressions allow chaining events in their chronological order. They are very useful for recipes, instructions, or narratives.

• Ensuite, puis :
  ✅ Example : Lavez les légumes, puis coupez-les en morceaux.
• Après, après cela :
  ✅ Example : J'ai fini mon travail, et après, je suis allé me promener.
• Plus tard :
  ✅ Example : On se retrouvera plus tard.
• Dans un premier temps, dans un second temps :
  ✅ Example : Dans un premier temps, nous analysons les données. Dans un second temps, nous tirons les conclusions.
• Premièrement, deuxièmement, ... :
  ✅ Example : Dans un premier temps, nous analysons les données. Dans un second temps, nous tirons les conclusions.

📖 To Express Simultaneity

These words allow saying that several actions occur at the same time.

• Pendant que, tandis que :
  ✅ Example : Il lisait le journal pendant que je regardais la télévision.
• En même temps :
  ✅ Example : Nous avons parlé en même temps.
• Au moment où :
  ✅ Example : Au moment où il est arrivé, le téléphone a sonné.

📖 To Mark the End of a Sequence

These articulators indicate the conclusion of a process or the end of an event.

• Enfin, finalement :
  ✅ Example : Enfin, le train est arrivé.
• À la fin :
  ✅ Example : À la fin du film, tout le monde était ému.
• Pour finir, pour conclure :
  ✅ Example : Pour finir, je voudrais vous remercier pour votre attention.

📖 To Situate Relative to the Present

These expressions situate an action relative to the moment of enunciation. They serve to talk about the recent past or near future.

• Avant-hier, hier :
  ✅ Example : Je l'ai vu avant-hier.
• Aujourd'hui, actuellement :
  ✅ Example : Aujourd'hui, il pleut.
• Demain, après-demain :
  ✅ Example : Je te téléphonerai demain.
• Il y a (+ durée) :
  ✅ Example : J'ai déménagé il y a deux ans.
• Dans (+ durée) :
  ✅ Example : Il partira dans une semaine.

To express hypotheses or regrets in French, specific structures are often used that combine different verb tenses. The key is to have the right "tense concordance" between the condition clause (introduced by "si") and the consequence clause.

📖 Different Types of Hypotheses with "si"

The hypothesis expresses a condition that must be met for another action to occur. The choice of tense depends on the degree of certainty.

• Probable Hypothesis (present/future) : used for facts that can happen.

  Structure : Si + present + future simple or present

  ✅ Example : Si tu veux, nous irons au restaurant. ✅ Example : S'il pleut, nous restons à la maison.
• Uncertain Hypothesis (present/future) : expresses a fact that has little chance of occurring.

  Structure : Si + imperfect + present conditional

  ✅ Example : Si j'avais du temps, je voyagerais plus souvent.
• Unrealized Hypothesis (past) : expresses a fact that did not occur and can no longer occur.

  Structure : Si + pluperfect + past conditional

  ✅ Example : Si j'avais su, je ne serais pas venu.

📖 Regrets and Reproaches

For regrets and reproaches, the past conditional is used.

• Regret :
  ✅ Example : J'aurais aimé venir à ta fête. (But I couldn't)
• Reproach :
  ✅ Example : Tu aurais pu me prévenir de ton retard !

To practice Expressing Hypotheses and Regrets or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

The subjunctive is a verbal mode that expresses uncertainty, wish, doubt, or emotion. It is very often used after certain subordinating conjunctions or impersonal expressions.

📖 The Use of "pour que"

The subordinating conjunction "pour que" (or "afin que") serves to express the purpose or finality of an action. It is always followed by the subjunctive.

⚠️ Note: Use "pour" or "afin de" followed by the infinitive if the subject of the main clause is the same as that of the subordinate clause.

📖 Impersonal Expressions with the Present Subjunctive

Certain impersonal expressions (starting with "il est...") require the use of the present subjunctive, as they express a feeling, judgment, or possibility that is not certain.

⚠️ Subjunctive vs Indicative

The nuance between subjunctive and indicative is crucial after an impersonal expression.

• The indicative is used for expressions that express certainty : il est certain que, il est vrai que, il est évident que...
  ✅ Example : Il est certain qu'il viendra.
• The subjunctive is used for expressions that express uncertainty, doubt, or subjectivity.
  ✅ Example : Il est possible qu'il vienne.

To practice Use of "pour que" and Impersonal Expressions with the Subjunctive or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

The passive voice is a grammatical construction that allows emphasizing the object that undergoes the action, rather than the subject that performs it. In an active voice sentence, the subject "performs" the action. In a passive voice sentence, the subject "undergoes" the action.

📖 Formation of the Passive Voice

To form a passive voice sentence, the auxiliary être is used, conjugated in the tense of the active sentence, followed by the past participle of the main verb. The past participle always agrees in gender and number with the subject.

🔄 Use of the Passive Voice

The passive voice is used in several contexts :

• To emphasize the object : When one wants to highlight the importance of what undergoes the action.
  ✅ Example : Le pont a été construit en 1980. (The important thing is the construction of the bridge, not who built it).
• When the agent is unknown or unimportant : It is not mandatory to mention the author of the action.
  ✅ Example : La fenêtre a été cassée. (We don't know by whom).

⚠️ Tense Concordance

The auxiliary être must be conjugated in the same tense as the verb of the active sentence.

• Present : On estime la valeur. → La valeur est estimée.
• Passé Composé : On a estimé la valeur. → La valeur a été estimée.
• Future Simple : On estimera la valeur. → La valeur sera estimée.

In all cases, the past participle agrees in gender and number with the passive verb's subject.

• Present : On estime la valeur. → La valeur est estimée. (fem./sing.)
• Passé Composé : On a retrouvé les boutons. → Les boutons ont été retrouvés. (masc./plur.)
• Future Simple : On échangera les pièces. → Les pièces seront échangées. (fem./plur.)

To practice Passive Voice or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Reported speech is a way to report someone's words without quoting them directly. It allows reformulating a message by integrating it into another sentence, generally introduced by a declarative verb like "say", "ask", "explain", etc. It is the opposite of direct speech, which uses quotes.

📖 Passing from Direct Speech to Reported Speech

To pass from direct speech to reported speech, several elements must be modified :

• Quotes and punctuation : They disappear in favor of a subordinating conjunction (generally "que").
• Tense concordance : The tense of the verb in the subordinate clause changes depending on the tense of the main verb (declarative verb).
• Pronouns and possessive adjectives : They are adapted to the new enunciation situation.
• Time and place indicators : They are also modified.

🔄 Tense Concordance

This is the most important rule. The tense of the verb in the reported speech depends on the tense of the declarative verb.

• Declarative verb in present/future : The verb tense does not change.
  ✅ Direct speech : Il dit : "Je suis fatigué." ✅ Reported speech : Il dit qu'il est fatigué.
• Declarative verb in the past (passé composé, imperfect) : The verb tense is shifted.

  Present → imperfect :

  ✅ Direct speech : Il a dit : "Je suis malade." ✅ Reported speech : Il a dit qu'il était malade.

  Passé Composé → pluperfect :

  ✅ Direct speech : Il a dit : "J'ai fini." ✅ Reported speech : Il a dit qu'il avait fini.

  Future Simple → present conditional :

  ✅ Direct speech : Il a dit : "Je viendrai." ✅ Reported speech : Il a dit qu'il viendrait.

⚠️ Other Changes

Time and place indicators also change :

• aujourd'hui → ce jour-là
• hier → la veille
• demain → le lendemain
• ici → là-bas
• ce matin → ce matin-là

📖 Use of "si"

The conjunction "si" is used to report a yes/no question, that is, a question that calls for a "yes" or "no" answer.

📖 Other Cases: Wh-Questions

To report a wh-question (starting with an interrogative word like "où", "quand", "comment", "pourquoi"), the interrogative word is repeated without using "que" or "si".

⚠️ Tense Concordance

Whatever the conjunction used, the tense concordance rule always applies if the declarative verb is in the past.

To practice Reported Speech or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

The comparative and superlative are grammatical tools that allow comparing elements or expressing degrees of intensity. Their constructions change depending on whether one compares adjectives, adverbs, or verbs.

📖 The Comparative: Comparing Two Elements

The comparative allows comparing two elements. There are three forms of comparatives :

• With adjectives :
  • Equality : aussi + adjective + que
    • ✅ Example : Il est aussi grand que son frère.
  • Superiority : plus + adjective + que
    ✅ Example : Elle est plus rapide que lui.
  • Inferiority : moins + adjective + que
    ✅ Example : Cet exercice est moins difficile que l'autre.
• With adverbs :
  • Equality : aussi + adverb + que
    ✅ Example : Il parle aussi vite que sa sœur.
  • Superiority : plus + adverb + que
    ✅ Example : Elle court plus rapidement que lui.
  • Inferiority : moins + adverb + que
    ✅ Example : Il travaille moins souvent que son collègue.
• With verbs :
  • Equality : autant que
    ✅ Example : Il travaille autant que sa femme.
  • Superiority : plus que
    ✅ Example : Il mange plus que ses frères.
  • Inferiority : moins que
    ✅ Example : Je dors moins que toi.

📖 The Superlative: Expressing the Extreme

The superlative serves to express the highest or lowest degree of a quality within a group or category. It is constructed with the definite article (le, la, les).

• Of superiority : to indicate the highest degree.

  Structure : le/la/les + plus + adjective/adverb + de/du/des

  ✅ Example : C'est la voiture la plus chère de la concession.

  Here, we do not compare two cars, we designate a car that has an extreme characteristic (expensive) within a group (all cars in the dealership).

• Of inferiority : to indicate the lowest degree.

  Structure : le/la/les + moins + adjective/adverb + de/du/des

  ✅ Example : C'est le film le moins intéressant de l'année.

  We designate the film that has the weakest quality (of interest) compared to all other films of the year.

⚠️ Special Cases and Irregularities

Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular comparative and superlative forms that must be known.

• Bon :
  Comparative : meilleur (never "plus bon")
  Superlative : le meilleur
• Mauvais :
  Comparative : plus mauvais or pire
  Superlative : le plus mauvais or le pire
• Petit :
  Comparative : plus petit or moindre
  Superlative : le plus petit or le moindre
• Bien (adverb) :
  Comparative : mieux (never "plus bien")
  Superlative : le mieux

To practice Comparative and Superlative with Adjectives, Adverbs, and Verbs or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

In French, many verbs can be followed by varied complements (direct, indirect, or a subordinate clause), which often leads to a modification of their meaning. Although the list is not exhaustive, here is a detailed overview of the most common verbs and their different constructions.

📖 Verbs with and without Preposition

Adding or removing a preposition is the main source of change in meaning for these verbs.

📖 Verbs Followed by an Infinitive or Subordinate Clause

These verbs can be followed by a verb in the infinitive or a subordinate clause with "que".

⚠️ The Importance of the Right Construction

Using the right construction is essential for the message to be clear. A preposition error can modify the meaning of the sentence and make communication difficult.

To practice Verbs with Multiple Constructions or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Emphasis allows insisting on an element of the sentence to highlight it.

📖 Structures

• To emphasize the subject : c'est ... qui ...
  Paul a appelé. ➔ C'est Paul qui a appelé.
• To emphasize the object or a complement : c'est ... que ...
  J'ai acheté une voiture. ➔ C'est une voiture que j'ai achetée.

⚠️ Past Participle Agreement

See "Past Participle Agreement" -> "Case 2: The COD is before the verb → agreement"

To practice Emphasis (c'est... qui/que) or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

Emphasis is a grammatical technique that allows insisting on a word or group of words in a sentence. It is very useful for highlighting a subject, object, place, time, or manner. The techniques for emphasis are the same, regardless of the verb tense used.

📖 The Main Techniques for Emphasis

There are several ways to emphasize information :

• Inversion : Place the element you want to emphasize at the beginning of the sentence.
  ✅ Example : C'est la nuit que je travaille le mieux.
• Emphasis with "c'est... que/qui" : This is the most common way. Use "c'est... que" for complements and "c'est... qui" for the subject.

  ✅ Example : C'est ce livre que j'ai acheté hier.

  ✅ Example : C'est mon frère qui est parti.

• Use of Reinforcing Pronouns : Use pronouns like "moi, toi, lui..." to emphasize the person.
  ✅ Example : Moi, je préfère le thé.
• Use of Emphasis Adverbs : Use adverbs like "vraiment, en fait, en vérité" to accentuate the statement.
  ✅ Example : Il a vraiment réussi son examen.

📖 Emphasis and Verb Tenses

Whatever the chosen technique, emphasis adapts to all indicative tenses (past, present, future), present subjunctive, or conditional. The verb emphasized is conjugated according to the temporal context of the sentence.

⚠️ The Importance of Context

The choice of emphasis technique depends on the effect one wishes to produce. Emphasis is more common orally, but it can also be used in writing to give rhythm to the text.

Compound relative pronouns are pronouns composed of a preposition and the pronoun lequel. They are used to link two clauses and avoid repetition of a noun. They agree in gender and number with the antecedent.

📖 Formation of Compound Relative Pronouns

These pronouns are formed by combining a preposition with the forms of lequel.

• Simple form : lequel, laquelle, lesquels, lesquelles
  ✅ Example : La table sur laquelle j'ai posé le livre est en bois.
• Contraction with "de" : de + lequel = duquel ; de + lesquels = desquels

  There is no contraction with de la (de laquelle) or de l' (de laquelle).

  ✅ Example : Le village duquel je viens est très petit.
• Contraction with "à" : à + lequel = auquel ; à + lesquels = auxquels

  There is no contraction with à la (à laquelle) or à l' (à laquelle).

  ✅ Example : Le projet auquel tu penses est ambitieux.

📖 Use of Compound Relative Pronouns

A compound relative pronoun is used in two main cases :

• 1. After a preposition : They are mandatory after prepositions like à, de, avec, pour, sans, sur, sous, etc., when referring to a thing.
  ✅ Example : La maison dans laquelle nous habitons est grande.

  For people, qui can be used after the preposition, or the compound pronoun.

  ✅ Example (person) : L'ami avec qui je voyage. (Or avec lequel je voyage.)
• 2. To resolve ambiguity : The pronoun qui can sometimes cause confusion. The compound relative pronoun clarifies the meaning.

  Ambiguous sentence : J'ai vu le frère de Paul qui m'a souri. (Who smiled? The brother or Paul ?)

  Clear sentence : J'ai vu le frère de Paul lequel m'a souri. (It's the brother who smiled.)

🔎 Summary Table

To practice Compound Relative Pronouns or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

The expressions "tout ce qui" and "tout ce que" are indefinite relative pronouns. They designate an indefinite thing or a set of things without naming them precisely. The choice between "qui" and "que" depends on their function in the sentence.

📖 '(Tout) ce qui' : The Subject

We use "tout ce qui" when the expression is the subject of the verb that follows. It is "ce qui" that performs the action.

In this example, "ce qui" is the subject of the verb "se dit". It is "ce qui" that is said.

Here, "ce qui" is the subject of the verb "est". It is "ce qui" that is rare.

📖 '(Tout) ce que' : The Direct Object

We use "tout ce que" when the expression is the direct object (COD) of the verb that follows. It is "ce que" that undergoes the action.

In this example, "ce que" is the COD of "as laissé". You left "ce que".

Here, "ce que" is the COD of "as montré". You showed me "ce que".

🔎 Simple Summary

To make the right choice, ask yourself: Does the verb need a subject?

• If the answer is yes, use "tout ce qui".
• If the subject is already present, then it is a COD and "tout ce que" must be used.

To practice Use of '(tout) ce qui' and '(tout) ce que' or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

These three locutions have distinct grammatical functions and are used to link ideas in different ways. Understanding their role will allow you to vary your sentences and express more complex relationships.

📖 'Ainsi que' : Comparison and Addition

The expression ainsi que is a subordinating conjunction. It can express comparison or addition.

• For comparison : It means "in the same way as", "just like" or "as".
  ✅ Example : Il a agi ainsi que je le lui avais conseillé.
• For addition : It means "in addition to", "and", or "as well as".
  ✅ Example : Le directeur, ainsi que son assistant, sera présent à la réunion.

  Note that the verb agrees with the first subject if ainsi que is used as an addition conjunction.

📖 'Aussi bien que' : Equality and Comparison

The expression aussi bien que is a conjunctive locution that expresses an idea of equality comparison or addition.

• For equality comparison : It means "with the same quality as".
  ✅ Example : Il court aussi bien que son frère.
• For addition : It can be used as a synonym of ainsi que or in addition to.
  ✅ Example : J'ai vu le film, aussi bien que le making-of.

  As with ainsi que, the verb generally agrees with the first subject.

📖 'La façon dont' : The Manner

The expression la façon dont is a relative pronominal locution that replaces a manner complement. It means "the way in which" or "the manner by which". dont is used because it replaces the preposition de (the way of doing something).

In this example, the full sentence would be "J'aime la façon de son expression". dont replaces "de son expression" and introduces a relative clause that describes the complement "façon".

The construction "faire + infinitive" is a particular verbal structure in French, called the causative form. It is used to express that the subject does not perform the action themselves, but has it done by someone else.

📖 Functioning and Conjugation

In this construction, the verb "faire" is conjugated, and the verb in the infinitive that follows is not conjugated. The meaning is that the subject is the cause of the action, without being the direct actor.

In this sentence, I am not building the house myself, I pay a professional to build it for me.

📖 Complements

The difficulty of this construction lies in the placement and form of the complements.

• Subject of the infinitive : If the verb in the infinitive has a subject, it becomes an agent complement (introduced by par or de) or an indirect object complement (COI) introduced by à.
  ✅ Example : Je fais réparer ma voiture par un garagiste.

  The mechanic is the one who repairs the car. The COD of "réparer" (ma voiture) is placed before the agent complement.

  ✅ Example : Je fais manger les légumes aux enfants.

  The children are the ones who eat the vegetables. The COD of "manger" (les légumes) is placed before the COI.

• Object Pronouns : Object pronouns are always placed before the verb "faire".
  ✅ Example : Je fais signer le contrat. → Je le fais signer.

🔎 The Verb "laisser"

The verb "laisser" can be used in the same way as "faire" to express an idea of permission. It is the construction "laisser + infinitive".

Verbs of opinion and thought, like penser, trouver, savoir, croire, prétendre, are followed by a subordinate clause introduced by "que". The verbal mode of this clause depends on the form of the sentence (affirmative, negative, interrogative).

📖 General Rule

In general, these verbs are followed by the indicative when they are in the affirmative form, as they express certainty or reality. They are followed by the subjunctive when they are in the negative or interrogative form, as doubt or uncertainty is introduced.

✅ Verbs Followed by the Indicative (Certainty)

• Penser que :
  ✅ Example : Je pense qu'il viendra. (Affirmative form, expresses certainty).
• Croire que :
  ✅ Example : Il croit qu'elle est honnête.
• Savoir que :
  ✅ Example : Nous savons qu'ils sont en retard.
• Trouver que :
  ✅ Example : Je trouve que ce film est intéressant.
• Prétendre que :
  ✅ Example : Tu prétends que tu as raison.

⚠️ Verbs Followed by the Subjunctive (Doubt)

When these verbs are in the negative or interrogative form, doubt is introduced, which requires the use of the subjunctive.

• Penser que :
  ✅ Example : Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne. (Negative form, expresses doubt).
  ✅ Example : Penses-tu qu'il vienne ? (Interrogative form, expresses doubt).
• Croire que :
  ✅ Example : Je ne crois pas qu'elle soit honnête.
• Savoir que :
  ❌ Example : Je ne sais pas qu'ils sont en retard. (This construction is rare, we prefer "je ne sais pas s'ils sont en retard".)

🔎 Special Cases

Some verbs follow other rules :

• Douter que : This verb already expresses uncertainty, so it is always followed by the subjunctive, even in the affirmative form.
  ✅ Example : Je doute qu'il arrive à l'heure.
• Ne pas douter que : Expresses certainty, so it is followed by the indicative.
  ✅ Example : Je ne doute pas qu'il arrivera à l'heure.

The expression "s'attendre à" means "to expect", "to suppose", "to believe" or "to count on the realization of something". It introduces an idea of forecast, probability, or mental preparation for an event.

📖 Use and Verbal Mode

The expression "s'attendre à" is a pronominal verb that is always followed by the preposition "à". What follows the preposition can be a noun, pronoun, or verb in the infinitive.

• S'attendre à + noun/pronoun :
  ✅ Example : Je m'attends à une bonne nouvelle.
  ✅ Example : Il s'attend à ce que l'équipe gagne.
• S'attendre à + infinitive :
  ✅ Example : Je m'attends à réussir mon examen.

📖 'S'attendre à ce que' and the Subjunctive

⚠️When "s'attendre à" is followed by a subordinate clause, it is introduced by "à ce que". In this case, the verb in the subordinate must be in the subjunctive, as the expression "s'attendre à" expresses an expectation, wish, or forecast, and not absolute certainty.

In this example, the action of "venir" is not certain, but it was expected. The use of the present subjunctive (vienne) is mandatory.

🔎 Difference with "espérer que"

While "s'attendre à" is neutral and expresses a simple forecast (good or bad), the verb "espérer que" expresses a wish and is always followed by the indicative. The nuance is important.

• S'attendre à :
  ✅ Example : Je m'attends à ce qu'il échoue. (present subjunctive) (Forecast, neutral)
• Espérer que :
  ✅ Example : J'espère qu'il réussira. (Wish, positive)

To practice The Expression 's'attendre à quelque chose' and 'espérer que' or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

When transforming a negative order or advice from direct speech to reported speech, the construction de + ne pas + verb in the infinitive is used. This is a simple and invariable rule in French.

📖 The Basic Rule

The rule requires that the two parts of the negation, "ne" and "pas" (or another negation adverb like "jamais", "plus", etc.), are placed directly before the verb in the infinitive and introduced by the preposition de.

This structure is used to report negative sentences that do not have a conjugated verb (like an order or advice) or when the main verb of the sentence is a verb of request, advice, or order.

✅ Examples with Different Negations

• Negation "ne... pas" :

  Direct speech : "Ne parle pas pendant le film."

  Reported speech : Il m'a demandé de ne pas parler pendant le film.

• Negation "ne... plus" :

  Direct speech : "Ne crie plus !"

  Reported speech : Le professeur nous a dit de ne plus crier.

• Negation "ne... jamais" :

  Direct speech : "N'y pense jamais."

  Reported speech : Je lui ai conseillé de ne jamais y penser.

🔎 Placement of Pronouns

If the sentence contains a pronoun (like le, la, les, y, en, se), it is placed between the negation and the verb in the infinitive.

• Direct speech : "Ne le dis pas à tes parents."

  Reported speech : Je lui ai demandé de ne pas le dire à ses parents.

• Direct speech : "Ne t'inquiète pas."

  Reported speech : Il m'a dit de ne pas m'inquiéter.

In summary, the structure is always the same, regardless of the negation adverb or the presence of a pronoun : ne + [negation adverb] + [pronoun] + infinitive.

To practice Negation with the Infinitive in Reported Speech or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

The locutions "comment ça se fait" and "comment ça se fait que" are informal and common expressions that serve to express surprise, astonishment, or lack of understanding in the face of an unexpected situation. They ask a question about the cause or reason for an event.

📖 'Comment ça se fait' : The Expression Alone

Used alone or at the end of a sentence, this expression is a short question that can be considered an interjection. It is often used in dialogue to show surprise.

📖 'Comment ça se fait que' : The Complete Locution

This form is followed by a subordinate clause. The verb in this subordinate is always in the indicative, as the sentence expresses a fact, a reality, even if one is surprised by it. The verb is never put in the subjunctive after this locution.

In this case, the speaker expresses astonishment at the fact that the other person is not ready, but the fact is a reality.

🔎 Difference in Register

These expressions are informal language. In a more formal register, one would use expressions like :

• "Comment se fait-il que... ?"
• "Pour quelle raison... ?"
• "Pourquoi... ?"

They have the same meaning, but are not used in the same communication context.

In French, the position of the adjective relative to the noun is a matter of nuance and meaning. It is not always placed after the noun. Its position can change the meaning of the sentence. Here are the main rules to help you.

📖 Adjectives Placed After the Noun (the Most Common Case)

This is the general rule. Most adjectives are placed after the noun. These are often adjectives that give objective information or categorize the noun.

• Color : une voiture rouge, des yeux bleus.
• Shape : une table ronde, une boîte carrée.
• Nationality : un pays européen, une ville française.
• Religion : la religion catholique, un lieu de culte musulman.
• Material : un vase en verre cassé, une statue en marbre blanc.
• Time or Temperature : un climat tropical, de l'eau chaude.

📖 Adjectives Placed Before the Noun

Some short and very common adjectives are often placed before the noun. They express a rather subjective quality and are often linked to a feeling or evaluation.

A simple way to remember these adjectives is the acronym BAGS :

• Beauty : beau, joli, vilain.
  ✅ Example : un beau château, une jolie fleur.
• Age : jeune, vieux, nouveau, ancien.
  ✅ Example : un jeune homme, un vieux pont.
• Greatness : grand, petit, gros, long.
  ✅ Example : une grande maison, un petit chien.
• Sensations : bon, mauvais, gentil.
  ✅ Example : un bon repas, une mauvaise idée.

🔎 Adjectives That Change Meaning According to Their Position

Caution! Some adjectives can be placed before or after the noun, but their meaning changes completely.

• Ancien
  ✅ Example : un ancien professeur (he is no longer a professor).
  ✅ Example : un professeur ancien (he is old).
• Cher
  ✅ Example : mon cher ami (affectionate).
  ✅ Example : un livre cher (expensive).
• Grand
  ✅ Example : un grand homme (illustrious).
  ✅ Example : un homme grand (tall).
• Propre
  ✅ Example : ma propre maison (my own, personal).
  ✅ Example : une maison propre (which is not dirty).

📖 Position of Several Adjectives

When a noun is qualified by several adjectives, their position depends on their nature. The general rule is to maintain the usual order of each type of adjective.

• BAGS Adjective + Adjective after the noun :
  ✅ Example : une belle (beauty) voiture rouge (color).
  ✅ Example : un vieux (age) pont romain (nationality).
• Two adjectives after the noun : If the adjectives are of the same nature, they are often separated by a comma.
  ✅ Example : une robe longue, élégante.
  ✅ Example : un chien blanc, frisé.

To practice Position of the Qualifying Adjective or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

To express the succession of two actions performed by the same subject, specific constructions are used. These locutions allow clearly organizing events in time.

📖 'Avant de' + infinitive

This structure is used to indicate that an action occurs before another. The verb following the locution is always in the infinitive.

• Rule : Avant de + infinitive
• Use : To express an action that precedes the main action.
✅ Example : Je me brosse les dents avant de dormir.
✅ Example : Elle a mangé avant de partir.

📖 'Après avoir/être' + past participle

This construction expresses an action that follows another. It is used to mark anteriority relative to the main action. The choice of auxiliary (avoir or être) follows the same rules as for the passé composé.

• Rule : Après + auxiliary in the present infinitive + past participle
• Use : To express an action that took place before the main action.
✅ Example : Après avoir mangé, il est allé se promener.
✅ Example : Après être arrivée, elle a appelé ses parents.

The choice of auxiliary depends on the verb: the majority are conjugated with avoir, but verbs of movement and pronominal verbs are conjugated with être.

⚠️ Past Participle Agreement : See "Past Participle Agreement".

🔎 Difference with the Gerund

It is important not to confuse "après avoir/être" with the gerund. The gerund (with "en" + verb in "-ant") expresses simultaneity, while "après avoir/être" expresses succession of actions.

To practice Use of 'avant de' + infinitive and 'après avoir/être' + past participle or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises

To express the succession of two actions, time conjunctions are used. The verbal mode (subjunctive or indicative) following these conjunctions depends on whether the action is certain or uncertain.

📖 'Avant que' + subjunctive

The conjunction 'avant que' introduces an action that has not yet occurred at the time of speaking. The action is therefore uncertain or potential. This is why the verb that follows is always in the subjunctive.

Rule : avant que + subjunctive

⚠️ Note: Often, 'avant que' is followed by an expletive 'ne' that has no negative meaning. It serves to strengthen the subordinate, but it is not mandatory.

ℹ️ When to Use the Expletive 'ne'

The 'ne' expletive is used after certain conjunctions like 'avant que' to bring a formal or literary style, especially when the verb expresses danger, fear, hindrance, or an uncertain future action. It never has a negative value and can often be omitted without changing the meaning :

• With 'avant que' : Je partirai avant qu'il ne pleuve. (The action of raining is uncertain)
• Possible omission : Je partirai avant qu'il pleuve.

In summary : use the expletive 'ne' for a formal or literary style, or to insist on the uncertainty of the action.

📖 'Après que' + indicative

The conjunction 'après que' introduces an action that is already accomplished or that will be a certainty. The action is therefore considered a real fact. This is why the verb that follows is always in the indicative (passé composé, future simple, etc.).

Rule : après que + indicative

⚠️ Use of Appropriate Tenses : See "Pluperfect", "Future Anterior", "Present Conditional", "Past Conditional" and "Subjunctive".

To practice Use of 'avant que' and 'après que' or to test your knowledge, try the different exercises by clicking the following button :

Exercises